How are voters in Scotland represented in the Scottish Parliament?
There are two types of MSP:
- Constituency MSPs - Scotland is divided into 73 areas called constituencies. Each constituency is represented by one MSP.
- Regional MSPs - Scotland is divided into eight regions. Each region is represented by seven MSPs.
How are MSPs elected to the Scottish Parliament
Watch this video to see how MSPs are elected using an electoral system called the Additional Member System or AMS .
Additional Member System
MSPs are chosen for the Scottish Parliament using an electoral system called the Additional Member System or AMS.
(Finnbarr Webster / Alamy Stock Photo)
AMS is a form of proportional representation. This means it aims to give political parties a share of representatives (MSPs in Scotland) in proportion to their share of the vote.
Voters are given a ballot paper which asks them to record two (‘X’) votes:
- the first vote is for the constituency MSP
- the second vote is for a regional MSP